I've just returned from a thoroughly engaging event hosted by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The guest speaker was self-confessed political right winger, Ezra Levant, author of Ethical Oil.
The highly articulate Mr Levant provided an almost evangelical overview of why Canadians and Albertan's should be not just be proud but also promote their Oil Industry. Levant has provided the conventional energy industry with a 21st Century licence to operate and the Government of Canada with a compelling spin on how to promote it's energy industry in the face of a greener more vocal environmental agenda.
The basic plot goes like this. If you have to fill your car, or heat your home, or use pharmaceutical products (all of which require a petroleum product - unless you are living 'off the grid' already), then would you rather use a petroleum product produced in a politically stable, human rights abiding, environmentally conscious, peaceful country or one produced in the antithesis of this i.e. any other major oil and gas producing country in the world? Levant creates a compelling argument and sells a good story. He talks of 'Zoe' his fictional activist and explains via 'Zoe' why Canada may not just be the lesser of all evil Oil & Gas producing countries but perhaps even a moral producer.
He began his speech with his declaration of love for the audience: mainly Oil & Gas company employees. As we near Valentine's day this seemed entirely appropriate. His love was expressed in support of ensuring that as employees in the industry that they continue to ensure the industry's record on people inclusivity, continuous improvement in technology and environmental impact.
It is clear to see why his revolutionary spin on this industry has gained such support. I hope his message continues to be given the same exposure as the critics of the industry. As Mr Levant highlights, the fact that we have opposing sides in this debate in Canada de facto demonstrates that we have an ethical industry. In other countries, opponents would be 'removed'. Well let's hope that Ezra Levant does not suffer the same fate as Saint Valentine for expressing his love...martydom!
natalie@emergelearning.ca Ethical Oil? Gotta LOVE it!
Posted: 2011-02-09
I've just returned from a thoroughly engaging event hosted by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The guest speaker was self-confessed political right winger, Ezra Levant, author of Ethical Oil.
The highly articulate Mr Levant provided an almost evangelical overview of why Canadians and Albertan's should be not just be proud but also promote their Oil Industry. Levant has provided the conventional energy industry with a 21st Century licence to operate and the Government of Canada with a compelling spin on how to promote it's energy industry in the face of a greener more vocal environmental agenda.
The basic plot goes like this. If you have to fill your car, or heat your home, or use pharmaceutical products (all of which require a petroleum product - unless you are living 'off the grid' already), then would you rather use a petroleum product produced in a politically stable, human rights abiding, environmentally conscious, peaceful country or one produced in the antithesis of this i.e. any other major oil and gas producing country in the world? Levant creates a compelling argument and sells a good story. He talks of 'Zoe' his fictional activist and explains via 'Zoe' why Canada may not just be the lesser of all evil Oil & Gas producing countries but perhaps even a moral producer.
He began his speech with his declaration of love for the audience: mainly Oil & Gas company employees. As we near Valentine's day this seemed entirely appropriate. His love was expressed in support of ensuring that as employees in the industry that they continue to ensure the industry's record on people inclusivity, continuous improvement in technology and environmental impact.
It is clear to see why his revolutionary spin on this industry has gained such support. I hope his message continues to be given the same exposure as the critics of the industry. As Mr Levant highlights, the fact that we have opposing sides in this debate in Canada de facto demonstrates that we have an ethical industry. In other countries, opponents would be 'removed'. Well let's hope that Ezra Levant does not suffer the same fate as Saint Valentine for expressing his love...martydom!
natalie@emergelearning.ca